276-277

Chapter 276: Just the Body, Not the Emotions

Li Jiaxin’s firm resolve inevitably piqued the curiosity of the other women.

Or perhaps they needed a reason to take the plunge themselves. After Wan Qiwen picked up the contract for a look, the others followed suit.

After only a brief glance, Wan Qiwen let out a small gasp of surprise.

Based on the benefits and terms outlined, they were exponentially better than what she had earned during her most successful years at ATV.

The contract stated that during its duration, they would receive a monthly allowance ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 USD.

Given the exchange rate between USD and HKD, this equated to approximately 375,000 to 750,000 HKD.

Wan Qiwen remembered that back when she was shooting dramas for ATV, earning half a million HKD for an entire project—often spanning two to three months—was already considered lucrative.

Moreover, filming came with its risks; injuries weren’t uncommon.

But now, without lifting a finger, she could receive at least 3 million HKD a month!

Then, she noticed another clause in the contract outlining additional benefits.

It mentioned that during the contract period, they could use numerous properties in Hong Kong owned by Paladin Investments free of charge.

Curious, Wan Qiwen couldn’t help but look up at the two female lawyers. “What does this mean exactly?”

Luo Peifang stepped forward to glance at the clause, smiling as she explained, “It’s exactly as stated. The specific list of properties is available with Ms. Liu here.”

Wan Qiwen turned to Liu Li, who replied expressionlessly, “My employer, Mr. Blackburn, has invested nearly $2 billion USD in Hong Kong over the past two weeks, acquiring 135 properties. If you sign the contract, as long as these properties are not rented out, you will have the right to use them free of charge.”

“Two billion USD? 135 houses?”

Dumbfounded, Wan Qiwen asked, “Could you elaborate?”

“They are all luxury residences located in Deep Water Bay, Repulse Bay, The Peak, Braemar Hill, and Big Wave Bay,” Liu Li replied without a hint of emotion.

The younger lawyer, Luo Peifang, added with a smile, “Not long ago, there was news about the He family selling one of their ancestral homes on Barker Road. Have you heard about it?”

Wan Qiwen shook her head, but Li Jiaxin immediately responded, “You mean the one at 12 Barker Road, valued at no less than 200 million HKD?”

“Yes,” Luo Peifang confirmed. “Mr. Blackburn purchased that property from the He family for 150 million HKD.”

Barker Road is a private and exclusive residential area in Hong Kong, known for its high privacy and prestige. The properties are connected by elevated driveways, and the road itself prohibits buses and minibusses from entering. Security guards monitor entry points, and warning signs about “private property” and “vicious dogs” are posted.

Located in one of the top-tier residential zones on The Peak, these properties offer breathtaking views of Lion Pavilion to the south and Victoria Harbour to the north. The owners are often influential figures.

“Mr. Blackburn’s 135 properties are all comparable to or better than 12 Barker Road,” Luo Peifang kindly informed them. “He clearly has great confidence in the future appreciation of Hong Kong’s high-end real estate market, which is why he invested so heavily.”

“Give me the pen!”

At this point, Li Jiaxin spoke with her characteristic decisiveness. She was determined to sign.

Her reasoning was straightforward: the first to sign should naturally have the first pick of these luxury homes. Surely that wasn’t too much to ask?

She was dead set on living at Barker Road!

“Alright.” Luo Peifang approached with a pen and guided Li Jiaxin through the signing process.

“Michelle, aren’t you going to reconsider?” asked Chingmy Yau, setting her contract aside as she looked at Li Jiaxin, who was already signing.

Chingmy and Li Jiaxin had previously been mere acquaintances, barely exchanging pleasantries. However, both had recently gone through breakups, which gave them common ground and led to an unexpected friendship during this period.

Watching Li Jiaxin sign without hesitation, Chingmy couldn’t help but ask softly.

“What’s there to reconsider?” Li Jiaxin pointed at the contract terms. “It’s a ten-year deal. In ten years, I’ll only be 37. Look at this—$50,000 USD per month for the first five years, and $100,000 USD per month for the next five. If we have children, the amount doubles!”

“Chingmy, how much do we earn from filming a single project? Now we don’t have to do anything and can earn as much as shooting two dramas every month. Why wouldn’t I sign?”

Chingmy had also noticed these clauses. To be honest, she was tempted.

“But… but once you sign, there are a lot of restrictions. No more dating, no close interactions with men, and you have to be on call for him. Plus, you’ll need to have his children…”

“Tch.” Without looking up from signing, Li Jiaxin scoffed, “Chingmy, with all of this, why would we even need a boyfriend? We just need to keep him happy. As for having children—so what? After all, the allowance doubles!”

Chingmy was speechless.

Li Jiaxin’s words were harsh, but the reality was that the material conditions were overwhelmingly enticing.

Living in a Barker Road mansion, receiving millions every month, with servants and bodyguards included. The contract even mentioned that if they wanted to continue acting, at least two roles in Hollywood-level productions would be arranged annually.

And now, this man was the true owner of ATV. Just days ago, the news had reported a $50 million USD reinvestment into ATV, with plans to expand into Southeast Asia and the Japanese and Korean markets by producing five major dramas.

Signing the contract wouldn’t necessarily mean giving up acting.

Reflecting on her years with that ex, which amounted to nothing in the end, Chingmy clenched her teeth and sat down next to Li Jiaxin. Turning to the lawyers, she said, “I’ll sign too. Could I have a pen?”

“Of course.” Luo Peifang smiled brightly.

As Chingmy began signing, Li Jiaxin quickly finished with a flourish.

She grinned and said to Chingmy, “Now that’s the right decision. Hey, Chingmy, from now on, we’re not just friends—we’re sisters! Haha, we’re both his kept women!”

Chingmy ignored her, and Li Jiaxin turned her attention to the three who were still hesitating.

Li Jiaxin’s personality was well-known in the circle—beautiful but sharp-tongued and arrogant.

“Tsk tsk, Athena, are you considering signing too?”

Li Jiaxin turned her gaze toward Athena Chu. Athena was her English name, meaning “goddess of wisdom.”

“I heard you and Stephen Chow are back together. You have a boyfriend, right? If you sign this contract, what will happen to him?”

Athena glared at her in disgust, thinking this woman was far too materialistic and sharp-tongued.

"I won't sign," Zhu Ying said coldly.

Li Jiaxin: "Huh? Really?"

"Hmph, do you think everyone is as materialistic as you?"

Zhu Ying glared angrily at Li Jiaxin.

Li Jiaxin elegantly shrugged her shoulders, just about to say something more.

At that moment, Liu Li, who had been expressionless the entire time, suddenly stepped forward and placed a thick envelope in front of Zhu Ying.

Zhu Ying looked at her in confusion. Liu Li spoke, "Sir said this is for you. Take a look first, then decide whether to sign or not."

"..." Zhu Ying suppressed a sense of foreboding and was about to take the envelope.

To her surprise, Li Jiaxin snatched it first and opened it in front of her.

Zhu Ying froze for a moment, just about to lose her temper, when she saw Li Jiaxin exclaim in shock.

Holding several photos from the envelope, Li Jiaxin waved them in front of Zhu Ying. "Wow, Athena, your boyfriend sure is wild. He's even into interracial affairs. Tsk, tsk..."

Zhu Ying quickly reached out to snatch them back, and Li Jiaxin didn't resist.

When she got the photos, she saw images clearly taken secretly of Zhou Xingxing in what appeared to be a hotel room, embracing two women—one Black and one White.

Although they were still clothed, the setting and their posture made it clear to any adult what would likely happen next.

Zhu Ying felt her blood boiling as she hurriedly examined the rest of the photos.

The content was similar—some even showed them undressed.

Although the faces weren't visible in the fully undressed photos, the body shapes left no doubt as to their identities.

"I want to sign too. Is it here?" Wan Qiwen said softly.

"I’ll sign as well," Liz added.

Wan Qiwen decided to sign because the terms were far too generous—so generous they seemed like a dream.

As for Liz, she understood immediately upon seeing the photos in Zhu Ying’s hands.

The foreigners might say they don’t force anyone to sign, but in reality?

Liz figured if she or the others refused, something similar to the envelope Zhu Ying received would appear in their hands.

At that point, even if they didn’t want to sign, they’d have no choice.

Better to be decisive.

Being kept as a mistress? So be it—Liz could accept it.

As she suspected, Zhu Ying ultimately couldn’t escape either.

Because if she could overlook the photos of Zhou Xingxing, the next step would involve concern for her family or other coercive methods.

What other choice did she have?

Was Milo some kind of saint?

The tens of thousands of Africans who died indirectly because of him wouldn’t believe that.

Neither would Yahoo co-founder David Filo’s family.

Nor would the over 100 gang leaders who perished on that fiery night in Miami.

The Danish government and citizens, who suffered immensely, wouldn’t believe it.

And the upper-class individuals in Tokyo, shaken by bombings to the point of developing "Blackburn phobia," certainly wouldn’t believe it.

American elites—say what you will—none of them are saints.

Or rather, they are the opposite of saints.

Let’s not even talk about Zhu Ying and the others struggling or submitting to their fates.

Meanwhile, in the conference hall on the top floor of the Peninsula Hotel, news soon came from Liu Li’s side.

All five women had signed the contracts. Zhu Ying struggled at first but ultimately gave in.

A smile appeared on Milo’s face.

As expected.

Tianxian’s mother murmured, saying there was no need for Milo to go to such lengths.

There was no need to offer such generous terms or even sign contracts.

If he truly wanted to keep enjoying them, a single phone call would suffice to have them sent from Hong Kong to anywhere in the world for his pleasure.

Even some members of the Blackburn Foundation suggested that contracts were unnecessary.

After all, besides Zhu Ying and the other five, Milo had similar agreements with numerous women in Hollywood.

Even if the Blackburn Foundation had differing opinions, Milo insisted on this arrangement, binding himself with this layer of restraint.

He also prepared contingencies for potential betrayal.

The reason for such "mistress contracts" extended beyond personal enjoyment; it was a matter of principle.

Take Hollywood as an example:

Relationships between men and women there are all about mutual consent.

You can pursue, flirt, seduce, or make deals, but once a woman clearly and firmly says no, using force to coerce her is out of the question.

Of course, not everyone abides by this unspoken rule.

But those with real status and power generally respect it.

The higher one’s status, the greater the flexibility in the rules, and the more benefits one derives from adhering to and upholding them.

One must understand that no matter how detailed the rules or laws are written, they are always interpreted by people.

As such, there are always loopholes to exploit.

This is why there are so many lawyers in the United States.

The same action can yield different results depending on who performs it and their social standing.

Take, for example, a pregnant woman undergoing a prenatal examination. If an ordinary doctor or nurse conducts the check-up, even if they have the professional skills and are aware of the specific circumstances, they are constrained by hospital regulations. They can only tell the patient whether things are good or bad but cannot offer suggestions—even if the patient directly asks.

However, if the examination is conducted by a renowned doctor with significant status and wealth, they can disregard such restrictions and even proactively advise the patient on the best course of action.

This so-called rule of law often serves to restrict ordinary people while allowing elites to navigate freely, exploiting the system for their own benefit.

Though this may sound exaggerated, it remains an undeniable truth.

In short, as a member of the upper echelons of society, Milo is naturally inclined to uphold and maintain the rules. What happens when a rule works against him? He creates a new rule that benefits him to counteract it! Breaking the rules outright is the most foolish approach unless one possesses the strength to dominate an entire class—or even the entire world. Otherwise, breaking the rules only makes one an enemy of their social stratum.

Of course, not every act of rule-breaking leads to such consequences; it depends on the impact caused.

But some things are like this: once you open a small crack and experience the convenience it brings, you’ll unconsciously expand it step by step.

Milo’s ability to maintain a rational attitude at all times has been a key factor in his rise to success.

However, even so, there’s no guarantee he can maintain this forever.

This is why such cracks must never be opened lightly.

For the women he wants to "collect," he always drafts a contract.

It serves as a constraint for them, a reminder for himself, and a signal to the outside world: "Sure, I may indulge, but I play within the rules. I have contracts, agreements, and legal certifications for everything—doesn’t that make me a hundred times better than you?"

This way, even if a scandal were to break out, he could simply produce the contract and resolve everything through legal means.

Not to mention, this is East Asia, where his influence doesn’t fully extend.

His true strongholds are Los Angeles, New York, and the United States—not East Asia.

Knowing what he’s doing and understanding his limitations is key to his success.

As such, he decided to delegate responsibilities in Greater China and East Asia to someone else.

In the future, he would occasionally visit for leisure. Ideally, he’d have the women come to the United States instead.

Thinking about this, Milo couldn’t help but smile.

Admittedly, conquering a woman through pure charisma or "certain skills" is not unheard of, but such cases are rare.

After all, people have thoughts and agency; they aren’t dolls. He certainly doesn’t have some "inevitably fall in love over time" cheat ability.

Therefore, he relies on mutual interests first. If feelings develop later, he can add a child to strengthen the bond.

As for love, he doesn’t demand it.

Shaking his head, Milo looked up at his subordinates in the conference room. "Tell London, Paris, and New York to get ready. I hereby announce that the operation to take Denmark begins now!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 277: Dubai and Taking Medicine

*Mid-December 1997*

At Dubai International Airport, Milo Blackburn's private flying palace glided across the runway until it came to a stop.

The stairs were quickly set up, and as the cabin door opened, four bodyguards stepped out first.

Milo, dressed in an all-white casual outfit, followed, descending into the night. From the tarmac, he saw a row of luxury cars already waiting, their polished exteriors gleaming under the runway lights.

A group of men dressed in white robes approached slowly, led by a man wearing a red-and-white checkered headscarf.

As Milo descended the stairs, he was slightly surprised to see Sheikh Maktoum, the ruler and prime minister of Dubai, extending his hand for a handshake. The Sheikh greeted Milo warmly, his face radiating genuine enthusiasm as he spoke words of welcome.

Milo responded with a polite smile and exchanged pleasantries. Introduced by the crown prince, Milo met and shook hands with several members of the delegation.

Practically all the prominent figures of the emirate were present—not just from Dubai, but representatives from the six other emirates had also arrived.

What caught Milo by surprise was that Sheikh Maktoum, the ruler, had a crown prince who was not his son but his brother, Bin Rashid. It reminded Milo of the feudal traditions of the desert region, where the system of succession often followed the “brother succeeds brother” model common in nomadic tribes.

This tradition, it seemed, had persisted for decades until a particularly ruthless crown prince in the future decided to imprison thousands of uncles and brothers, putting an end to the custom.

Nonetheless, the emirate had gone out of its way to show Milo respect.

For Milo's arrival in Dubai, both the ruler and the crown prince personally welcomed him. From the other six emirates, while the rulers themselves didn’t come, their crown princes or representatives were present.

After the initial greetings, everyone boarded a fleet of Rolls-Royce cars and headed toward the city center.

In 1997, Dubai had yet to begin its legendary construction projects.

The iconic seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel was still under construction, and plans for the Palm Islands and the Burj Khalifa were merely ideas on paper or concepts in the minds of the rulers.

As the convoy drove from the airport to the city center, Milo’s view was dominated by desert sands. Only in the distance could he see the faint lights of some skyscrapers in the city center.

This was far from the Dubai of later years, known globally as a hub of luxury and prosperity.

Yet even in its nascent state, Dubai had emerged as the largest trade and commercial hub in the desert region.

Thanks to the emirate’s oil wealth, unique geopolitical position, and the relatively liberal governance of the Maktoum family, Dubai had transformed dramatically.

In just two decades, since the 1970s, the city had seen immense growth. Its reliance on oil had dropped to less than half of its economy, and its GDP had grown thirtyfold.

For Milo, this trip was part of the IPO roadshow for Yahoo's Middle East operations. Instead of choosing Riyadh, which had closer ties to Washington, Milo opted for Dubai, much to the disappointment of Riyadh and the elation of Dubai.

This decision, however, came at a price.

The emirates committed to purchasing at least $30 billion worth of Yahoo IPO shares, with Dubai alone contributing $12.5 billion. This ensured that Yahoo’s IPO would take place in Dubai rather than in Riyadh, a more prosperous and U.S.-aligned city at the time.

Milo couldn’t help but feel like a celebrity on a tour, performing wherever the price was highest.

But there was no choice—everything was aimed at boosting Yahoo’s stock price when it went public in two weeks.

The results of the roadshow so far had been impressive.

In Tokyo, Japanese investors committed $40 billion.

In Southeast Asia, represented by Hong Kong, the figure was another $30 billion.

And now, with $50 billion pledged in the Middle East, the total commitments from these three regions amounted to $120 billion.

Europe was next on the list and could potentially bring in another $50 to $60 billion.

In the U.S., domestic commitments were expected to exceed $300 billion.

With the IPO priced at $50 per share and a total of 2 billion shares, Yahoo’s initial market cap was set at $100 billion.

Under ideal conditions, the total subscription could reach 300%.

Although IPO subscription figures often don’t translate directly to actual investments, the enthusiasm they generate among retail and institutional investors is critical.

This frenzy would drive demand and send the newly listed company’s stock soaring.

Milo’s proactive approach stemmed not just from his role as a temporary ally of U.S. financial powerhouses but also from the fact that such a scenario had never occurred in his original timeline.

In that alternate timeline, Yahoo’s highest market cap was around $140 billion.

Now, thanks to his influence, the company could start with a valuation of $100 billion, with unlimited potential thereafter.

This sense of accomplishment made him treat the process like a game, motivating him to give it his all.

The Dubai trip was planned to last three days, with the roadshow scheduled for the final day, followed by an evening departure.

Since the so-called seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel was still under construction, the most luxurious accommodation in Dubai was currently the Mustaq Sheikh Palace Hotel.

Its decor and service were top-notch. Despite having less oil wealth than neighboring Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s geographical advantages had turned it into a central hub in the desert region.

Sheikhs and tycoons, flush with cash from oil sales, flocked here to indulge in leisure activities.

This was largely due to the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone, an initiative by the Maktoum family.

On the surface, it was a logistics hub for port and cargo operations.

But for a time, it became a gray area where gambling, banned elsewhere under Islamic law, was tolerated.

This freedom made Dubai a sort of hidden Las Vegas for the Middle East, catering exclusively to the ultra-wealthy.

It also contributed to Dubai’s rise and its eventual status as the “Pearl of the Desert.”

For now, the Mustaq Sheikh Palace Hotel stood as the pinnacle of luxury until the Burj Al Arab opened its doors.

It was the most popular hotel among the wealthy.

The sheikhs were incredibly generous, clearing the top three floors entirely for Milo and his team to stay.

To put it into perspective, the Mustagh Sheikh's Palace Hotel has a floor area of approximately 3,500 square meters.

This meant Milo was given over 10,000 square meters—about 50 or 60 rooms—all for his use.

“You’re saying this city, which looks so underdeveloped now, could surpass Singapore and even Hong Kong in the future?”

Inside the largest suite at the Mustagh Sheikh's Palace Hotel, overlooking the bay, the question came from Li Jiaxin.

In her twenties, she was truly at the peak of her beauty.

Her features combined the best of Eastern and Western aesthetics—delicate and picture-perfect. Her skin was fairer than snow, her eyes sparkled like stars, and her lips were a vibrant crimson. After all, it had been less than two years since she wrapped up filming Drunken Master III, during which a famous JPG of her as the “Queen” went viral.

At this point, she was at the height of her charm. Despite her difficult personality and materialistic tendencies, her beauty gave her the confidence to act recklessly. Even Milo couldn’t get her out of his mind after spending time with her.

He decided to keep her by his side, even bringing her along to Dubai.

That evening, Li Jiaxin wore a flowing white gown. The hem of her dress swayed gracefully with her movements, resembling a willow caressed by the spring breeze, exuding femininity and allure.

Her long, sleek black hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall, adding a touch of elegance. Around her neck was a dazzling necklace that completed the look, making her appear radiant, a rare beauty that captivated all who looked upon her.

Even Li Jiaxin herself often glanced at the necklace. Milo had purchased it for her just days earlier at a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong.

It was a gemstone bracelet once reportedly owned by French Queen Marie Antoinette.

Although Marie Antoinette’s reputation was often criticized, her taste in jewelry, accessories, and lifestyle habits remained revered by women in high society, even in Europe. Her exquisite self-indulgence was undeniably stylish.

The bracelet was valued at $1.2 million, which translated to approximately 9 million Hong Kong dollars.

As Milo’s first gift to her, how could Li Jiaxin not be entranced by it?

What bothered her slightly was that the other four women from Hong Kong had also received gifts, though none as expensive as hers.

This made her feel she was the most favored.

Even so, the other four women had also been brought to Dubai.

At the moment, the five of them had just finished freshening up and were now drinking and relaxing with Milo in the penthouse suite of the Mustagh Sheikh’s Palace Hotel.

During the conversation, Milo expressed his optimism about the city’s future.

In ten years, he said, it would become one of the world’s most famous cities.

It was now 1997, and while Dubai had some renown, its iconic architectural wonders had yet to be built.

Even if the sheikhs wanted to promote the city, there wasn’t much worth marketing yet.

At this time, Dubai’s influence was far from what it would eventually become. It certainly couldn’t compare to Singapore or Hong Kong—especially Hong Kong.

In the years leading up to and immediately following its return to China, Hong Kong had benefited immensely from being a financial gateway to the mainland. It had risen to rival Tokyo as Asia’s top financial hub.

Because of this, Hong Kongers had a strong sense of pride. For Milo to suggest that Dubai might one day surpass Hong Kong naturally met with skepticism.

While the other four women—Chiu Shu-Chun, Wan Chi-Man, Chu Ying, and Lee Zi—were more reserved and mild-mannered, Li Jiaxin, being the most favored and possibly due to her mixed heritage, was outspoken and bold.

This prompted her to question Milo directly.

“Yes,” Milo nodded. “And it’s inevitable. The sheikhs here need a city with international influence, much like how your country needs Hong Kong as a gateway. Dubai’s role is similar to Hong Kong’s, making its rise certain.”

From the late 1990s onward, Dubai would serve as a showcase for the Middle East, much like how Hong Kong had been for mainland China before 1997.

The key difference was that mainland China’s rapid rise gradually undermined Hong Kong’s position.

Dubai, however, faced no such threat.

First, the Middle East wasn’t a unified country.

Second, even if it were united, it lacked the development potential of China.

Hong Kong’s status would become increasingly precarious, whereas Dubai’s regional significance would remain steady.

That was why Milo confidently predicted Dubai’s future surpassing Hong Kong.

But this reasoning didn’t sit well with the five Hong Kong women.

After all, no one likes to hear their home being compared unfavorably, especially not in 1997’s Hong Kong.

They might feel some inferiority when compared to New York, London, or Paris, and even a little toward Tokyo.

But when it came to mainland China or a desert city like Dubai, they felt a strong sense of superiority.

Still, given Milo’s status and their shared experiences with him, only Li Jiaxin dared to argue.

Their debate escalated until Li Jiaxin ended up face-down on the sofa, her dress flipped up after a few playful slaps.

The other four women didn’t know where to look or what to do.

They certainly didn’t face the same scenarios as other women who dealt with Milo alone.

In short, it was an experience both exhausting and exhilarating for them, leaving them not entirely drained but far from indifferent.

By the time Li Jiaxin fell into a deep sleep, Chiu Shu-Chun and Wan Chi-Man, draped in towels, helped each other wobble to the bathroom.

There, in the hotel’s enormous circular bathtub, they found Chu Ying and Lee Zi already soaking and chatting.

“That damn foreigner,” Chu Ying muttered, “he definitely wants us to get pregnant!”

Zhu Ying: “He used to give us a certain type of pill to take. But after signing that damned contract, the pills he gave us changed to two different kinds!”

“We’re still taking them, aren’t we?” Liz, who was wearing a face mask, said. “Maybe it’s just another type of birth control pill? Perhaps the previous one was too expensive, so he switched to a cheaper version?”

“I have an uncle who owns a pharmacy. I used to help out there often!”

Zhu Ying explained, “I remembered what the pills looked like. Yesterday, I went to his store and recognized them!”

“What are the pills he switched us to?”

“They’re folic acid tablets and vitamin E capsules!”

“Huh? What kind of pills are those? Aren’t they birth control?”

“No, they’re not! My uncle said these are fertility-enhancing supplements! They’re meant to help women have smarter babies and improve their physical condition during childbirth!”

Liz: “…”

At this moment, they all saw Wan Qiwen and Chingmy Yau walk in.

Zhu Ying immediately called out to them, “Did you hear that? That foreigner is desperate to get us all pregnant!”

Wan Qiwen’s face showed some worry; she wasn’t ready to have a child so soon. “Ah, so, what should we do?”

“We can just stop taking them,” Zhu Ying suggested. “The contract doesn’t say we’re obligated to take the pills.”

Wan Qiwen nodded, thinking that made sense, and turned to Chingmy Yau, who was closer to her.

But she noticed Chingmy standing frozen with a stunned expression.

“What do you think, Chingmy?” Wan Qiwen asked softly.

To her surprise, Chingmy didn’t respond to her at all. Instead, she anxiously asked Zhu Ying, “Athena, are you saying the pills Milo’s maid gave us are fertility supplements?”

“Yes!” Zhu Ying nodded. “At first, they might have really been birth control pills. But later, they switched to these two or three types of supplements. I’m sure they’re the fertility supplements I mentioned, probably bought from a pharmacy here in Hong Kong!”

“But… but I’ve been taking these same two or three pills all along,” Chingmy stammered.

She froze. “I’ve been taking them for nearly two weeks now.”

“Huh? Then I’m not sure,” Zhu Ying said. “At the start, Milo’s maid gave me a different pill—just one tablet. Later, she switched to these two or three pills.”

Chingmy was no longer listening.

Because she was certain that, for almost two weeks now, she had been taking exactly the fertility pills Zhu Ying described.

And then… she thought of something else. Her usual cycle, which should have started five days ago, hadn’t come yet.

Why hadn’t it arrived?

*Bang!*

A sudden loud noise snapped Chingmy out of her daze.

Outside, there was the sound of firecrackers exploding.

Pop! Crackle! Boom!

Zhu Ying stood up curiously. “Do they light firecrackers in Dubai too? Is it some kind of holiday?”

No one answered Zhu Ying, nor did anyone seem to care.

Especially Chingmy, who was now fixated on one thought: why hadn’t her cycle started yet?

After nearly two weeks of taking fertility pills…

What Chingmy really wanted to know was: *Am I pregnant?*

(End of Chapter)